Ghana has failed to take decisive action against the growing spread of misinformation, according to Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). He stated that the country can no longer delay policy and legislative reforms to address this critical issue.
Braimah highlighted that misinformation and disinformation pose a serious threat to Ghana's democracy and social cohesion. He noted that successive governments have not responded proactively, allowing the problem to worsen over time. Those responsible for spreading false information often operate with minimal consequences, contributing to its deep entrenchment in the political landscape.
This inaction fits into a broader pattern of delayed legislative action in Ghana, particularly concerning media regulation. The proposed Broadcasting Bill, for instance, has been under discussion for nearly two decades without being passed. This legislative inertia allows harmful content to proliferate, impacting public discourse and trust in institutions. The economic implications include potential instability and reduced foreign investment if the country is perceived as politically volatile due to unchecked misinformation.
Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Monday, July 20, Braimah criticized the tendency for people to only condemn misinformation when it affects them personally. He observed that political actors often defend false information when it advances their interests. "We seem to be in a state where people only get concerned when these things affect them," he stated.
Braimah urged Ghana to adopt a comprehensive national strategy to combat misinformation, moving beyond reliance on criminal prosecutions. He pointed to successful measures in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These regions legally require technology companies to remove harmful content within strict timelines or face substantial financial penalties. For example, the EU adopted the Digital Services Act, the UK implemented the Online Safety Act, and Germany enacted the Network Enforcement Act.
While Ghana may lack the individual capacity to compel global technology companies, Braimah suggested that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) could pursue a coordinated regional approach. This collective effort would strengthen accountability for online platforms. Beyond platform regulation, he emphasized the urgent need for legislation governing broadcasting and digital communication in Ghana.
He also called for sustained public education campaigns to help citizens identify false information before sharing it. Braimah stressed that any new laws must be developed through extensive public consultation to balance tackling harmful online content with protecting freedom of expression. He noted that international best practice involves adequate engagement to build consensus among stakeholders.
This call for action follows a recent incident where TikToker Camilla Alhassan was sentenced to one year in prison. An Accra Circuit Court found her guilty of offensive conduct and publishing false news related to videos about President John Mahama. This case underscores the immediate need for a robust framework to address misinformation effectively.